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Annual benefits enrollment opens Friday, Oct. 18 and will continue through Nov. 4, giving Emory University faculty and staff an opportunity to review their current benefits and make changes for the upcoming year. Elections made during the enrollment period will become effective Jan. 1, 2014.

"There will not be major changes to our medical plans for the upcoming year," says Felicia Smith, director of benefits. "We will still offer two plans, the HSA Plan and the POS Plan, with some minor changes to the POS Plan."

Changes to the POS Plan include an increase in the deductible, an increase in the out-of-pocket maximum (which is now expanded to include all co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance), and a change in cost structure for prescription drugs.

For both plans, there will be no change in the contribution amounts for single (employee only) coverage. Those with employee plus children, employee plus spouse, and employee plus family coverage will see a slight increase.

Those participating in incentives to lower their medical costs can earn more money this year. The incentives were first launched in 2013, offering faculty and staff a way to reduce their overall medical costs by participating in wellness activities such as the campus-wide health screenings and online health assessments. New for the upcoming year, spouses and same-sex domestic partners can also participate in the screenings and online assessments and earn a $100 incentive.

Other enhancements to the benefits offerings include an increased life insurance benefit and a new adoption benefit that provides reimbursement for the cost of adopting a child.

To help faculty and staff with the decision-making process, several resources are available on the Annual Enrollment website, including a plan selection cost estimator tool that allows you to compare the medical plan options and estimate for upcoming costs. Employees also have the option to attend a benefits enrollment meeting offered throughout October or watch the presentation online.

Beginning on Oct. 18, faculty and staff can enroll online through self-service with their network ID and password. For more information on how to enroll and the changes for 2014, visit the Annual Enrollment website.

"It is important to take a few minutes to review your benefits each year," says Smith. "We provide the tools, but it is up to you to educate yourself on all of the benefits options that are available to you so you can make good choices for you and your family."